What Causes Inside Wear of Trailer Tires on Boat Trailer

Question:

I have replaced tires on my boat trailer because they had bad where on the inside. Do you think the wear on the tires is because of the axel. Its is just the right side tire that is wore down.

asked by: Tyler H

Expert Reply:

Boat trailer tires that are wearing on the inside indicates they are bowing out at the bottoms. This usually means they are overloaded or it could also mean that the axle has been flipped.

A trailer axle will have a natural bow in it that is curved upward in the middle when not under load. When a load is placed on it, the axle will straighten out. If the the load is too heavy the axle will bow downward in the middle and push the bottoms of the tires out leading to excessive wear.

If the axle is flipped then the natural bow will be facing down and that will lead to wear on the insides.

You will need to determine the axle capacity of the trailer and compare that to the weight of the boat when loaded and ready to tow. If the load is too great for the axle you will need to either reduce the weight to an acceptable level up to the axle capacity or replace the axle with a higher capacity axle.

You will also want to make sure that your trailer tires are always inflated to the maximum psi as indicated on the tire. Trailer tires are built with a thicker side wall that can lead to excessive heat build up if not inflated to the maximum pressure.

expert reply by: Chris O